T E L E C O M M U N I C A T I O N S

Bridging the Gap: 5G Networks and Access in African Rural Areas

AUTHOR: Grace Kangotue ChiefResearcher/Economist@RDJConsulting

Since its introduction or one can say, creation, 5G technology has been heralded as the next frontier in wireless communication, promising unparalleled speeds, reliability, and connectivity. However, while much of the world races ahead with 5G adoption, Africa, particularly its rural areas, still grapples with challenges in accessing what is now standard technology such as 3G, 4G or LTE As the continent seeks to bridge the digital divide therefore, the integration of 5G networks into rural communities emerges as a crucial step towards inclusive development and economic empowerment.

In Namibia, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) defines 5G as the fifth generation of wireless communication technologies, succeeding 2G, 3G, and 4G With its super-fast download speeds, minimal latency, and capacity to connect a multitude of devices, 5G represents a quantum leap in connectivity capabilities. According to GSMA, it offers a 10–100× increase in data rates, a 10× decrease in latency, and a 1,000× increase in mobile data volumes compared to 4G

Globally, 5G adoption has surpassed previous generations, with expectations to reach 2 billion connections by 2025 However, in Africa, widespread readiness for 5G in the mass market remains a distant goal due to various market readiness challenges Despite this, pioneering efforts by companies like Vodacom and MTN have seen the launch of 5G networks in several African countries, laying the foundation for broader adoption.

The rural-urban digital divide based on various challenges persist as a significant obstacle to equitable access to 5G in Africa While urban centres enjoy the benefits of 5G connectivity, rural areas lag behind due to infrastructural limitations and the high cost of deployment. Limited spectrum availability, particularly in low-band frequencies suitable for rural areas, further exacerbates the challenge

To address the disparity, telecom operators are exploring targeted deployment strategies tailored to rural environments. Initiatives in countries like Namibia and Nigeria to allocate low-band frequencies for mobile use demonstrate a commitment to extending 5G access to underserved regions

As Africa navigates its 5G journey, policymakers must prioritize sustainable strategies that ensure equitable access across all regions. By leveraging low-band spectrum and innovative deployment approaches, such as mmWave Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) networks, rural communities can reap the benefits of 5G connectivity By doing so, Africa can harness the transformative power of 5G to drive inclusive growth and prosperity for all its citizens

In conclusion, 5G networks represent a pivotal opportunity for Africa to leapfrog into the digital age. By extending connectivity to rural areas, the continent can unlock new avenues for development and empower its communities to thrive in the digital era As Africa charts its course towards a connected future, bridging the ruralurban divide in 5G access stands as a cornerstone of its journey towards prosperity and inclusivity.

Readings: https://www.cran.na/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMT2020-5G-Strategy-2022-for-final-approval 310822 pdf https://event-assets gsma com/pdf/5G-in-Africa pdf https://www gsma com/subsaharanafrica/resources/re alising-the-potential-of-5g-in-africa https://www techafricanews com/2023/08/18/closingafricas-rural-urban-5g-divide-with-low-band-spectrumexpansion/ https://airtel.africa/#/pages/media?tab=press releases